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Instead of buying expensive hoods, what has everybody else done to seal the top of their tanks? I recently bought a piece of plexiglass that just fits across the top. Unfortunately, after two days, it began buckling under its own weight. I have to turn it over every couple days to prevent it from bending too much.

So two questions:
1.) How could I stabilize this lid and keep it from warping?
2.) What have other people done to keep their fish from jumping out while still allowing access to the water for feeding, cleaning, etc? I'm just stumped as to what else I could try.

Thanks for all the help.

Hi,
Ages ago I gave up on "lids" and measured the top of my
tank. I measured carefully the length and width from the
inside plastic trim shaped like an "L" leaving just a
slight bit of "slop" and then took the measurements to a
glass store. There, I had them cut and polish a 1/4 piece
of tempered glass. I made the width just short enough for
the hoses and heater to stick out. Now I have a "cover"
on the tank that is capable of holding my light canopy
and does not sag. I feed the fish through the gap in the
back, and also add my top off water that way as well.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

That's a great idea. Thanks for the help. How much did that sheet of glass cost?

Also, when you said 1/4 tempered glass, did you mean 1/4 inch thick glass?

Thanks again.

Tempered glass means that if it breaks it shatters, like windshield glass instead of breaking sharp. It also means it can't be drilled in the case of a tank .

I'd love ideas on keeping acrylic or plexiglass from bending that's what I use on my indoor 'pond'. In my case the pond has rounded corners that the cover sticks out over, I've just used a few rocks...oh and the AAA guide books that whetu left @my place (they're suprisingly heavy ) to counter weight the bend in the middle...I've debated purchasing a cross brace for it to keep the middle more level.

^_^
[hr width='40%']"I'm alright, I'm alright
It only hurts when I breathe"

That's exactly what I'm trying to figure out! The plexiglass is perfect with the exception of the bending issue. I'm able to drill air holes and filter cord holes in it with my Dremel, which is great. I just wish I could reinforce it somehow.

What if I tried gluing a slender piece of wood across the top of it, or even a metal rod? As long as both ends of the supports are on the edge of the tank, that may be enough to brace it. I'm out of ideas though. My plexiglass cost me three dollars - ten times cheaper than a stupid hood - and I'd like to make it work.

Any other good ideas out there?

The easiest way to brace it is to add a center bracing strip to the top of the aquarium, either using a piece of glass (tempered) if possible or a stiffer form of plastic.

---

Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

drill the plexi and install a small bracing, like a very small angle iron or metal molding lengthwise. another thing that would offer strength to plexi is to bend it but that may not work in this case. try this, cut it lengthwise and install a piano hinge . that would stiffen it up a bit and make it easier to open and feed. Basically, anything that breaks the plane of the plexi as it lies flat will strengthen and stiffen it. metal works better than wood or plastic as it is stiffer, but heavier.

That all makes some good sense. Thanks everybody!

So basically, I just need a metal strip or rod. I guess I'll just have to experiment with this one to find the best orientation for it. I assume I can get a metal stip or rod at Lowe's??? Also, what kinda glue is best for bonding metal to plexiglass - super glue?

Thanks again for all your help!

ledzepcjs,
Look in the closet organization section...they have those metal pieces you screw to the wall to insert shelf brackets into. Aquarium grade silicone should work quite well....think I better stop by home depot myself .

^_^


[hr width='40%']"Put your soul in the water,
And join me for a swim tonight"

I have a few bits of hardwood that i'm going to attach straight across the middle of my 2 plexiglass lids, hopefully the sealed wood will stay rigid and keep the lids the same way.

currently, they are in the water, but it does mean i can see the fish really well from above.

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

Great! Thanks for all the advice. I was just at Lowe's yesterday, and I found a bunch of metal rods and plates. I think I'm going to try using one of those across the lid and see how it goes. It's worth a shot at least.

Thanks again!

Figure most people know what I was talking about but I took this while I was in home depot over the weekend trying to get a male end to fix my garden hose :%)....and yes I still got the wrong size !.

^_^

[hr width='40%']"I'm alright, I'm alright
It only hurts when I breathe"

Babelfish attached this image:

Plexi is also usually sold in other thicknesses, so if you haven't already bought it, get something thicker than 1/4"

Anyway, adding braces is really the best option if you already have the plexi....Otherwise you can "double up" on the 1/4" plexi to make a thicker cover.

get something thicker than 1/4"

It's also a LOT more expensive....least the selection I was limited to @my home depot....the price difference between $5 and a few hundered....well...yeah ...I'll go with the thinner stuff .

^_^



[hr width='40%']"I'm alright, I'm alright
It only hurts when I breathe"

Thanks again for all the help. When I was at Lowes a week ago, I found a bunch of metal rods and bars. I think they may be perfect. I'll probably try them out next weekend when I get some free time.

Thanks again!